Ontario Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slipping on Pool Deck Stairs Aboard Norwegian Epic
Tamara Walkes, a resident of Ontario, Canada, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL Bahamas Ltd, doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20583, alleges that Walkes suffered serious and permanent physical injuries after slipping and falling on a pool deck stairway while traveling as a passenger aboard the Norwegian Epic on February 19, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Norwegian Epic Pool Deck Due to Slippery Liquid on Stairs
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while the Norwegian Epic was in navigation and Walkes was enjoying a planned vacation as a fare-paying passenger. While she was using the stairs on the pool deck to ascend to the sun deck, her foot suddenly slipped in a dirty, slippery liquid or another foreign transitory substance that had been left on the floor surface. The fall caused Walkes to strike the ground with significant force. The plaintiff asserts that the cruise line crew failed to exercise reasonable care in the inspection and maintenance of the pool deck area, allowing a hazardous condition to persist in a high-traffic zone where passengers were expected to walk.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Hazardous Floor Conditions
The lawsuit alleges that Norwegian Cruise Line had a duty to maintain the vessel in a reasonably safe condition and to warn passengers of any hidden dangers. Walkes claims that the cruise line breached this duty by failing to provide adequate warning signs near the slippery substance and by failing to properly monitor the area between the cafeteria and the elevators. The complaint suggests that the defendant knew or should have known that this specific pathway was frequently used by passengers and required regular upkeep to remain free of defects. By failing to remedy the slippery condition or alert passengers to the risk, the cruise line allegedly created an unreasonable risk of harm for those moving between the ship’s outdoor decks.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Training and Failure to Use Slip Resistant Flooring on Deck
In addition to maintenance failures, the legal filing targets the internal policies and physical design choices made by Norwegian Cruise Line. Walkes alleges that the cruise line failed to develop and utilize proper safety protocols for cleaning floors while passengers were present on the ship. The complaint further contends that the cruise line failed to properly train its crewmembers to detect and report hazardous conditions in a timely manner. A significant portion of the negligence claim focuses on the ship’s infrastructure, alleging that Norwegian failed to use appropriate slip-resistant flooring on the deck surfaces, which contributed to the dangerous nature of the stairs when they became wet or dirty.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injury and Medical Expenses Following Cruise Ship Fall
Walkes brings a count of negligence against the cruise line, seeking damages in excess of seventy-five thousand dollars. She claims that as a direct result of the fall, she has suffered severe physical pain, mental anguish, and permanent disability. The lawsuit states that these injuries have hindered her ability to attend to her business and personal affairs and will continue to do so in the future. The damages sought include compensation for bodily injury, physical disfigurement, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, and the expenses related to hospitalization and ongoing medical treatment. Walkes has demanded a trial by jury to resolve the issues presented in the complaint.
Contact a Cruise Ship Pool Deck Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident
Passengers who sustain injuries due to slippery surfaces, lack of warning signs, or improper maintenance on a cruise ship may be entitled to financial compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators are required to maintain their vessels in a condition that ensures the safety of all fare-paying guests. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury on a cruise ship pool deck or stairway, it is important to consult with an experienced maritime attorney to protect your rights. Our team is available to help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim against a major cruise line.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
